In this paper, ZrB2-based ceramics containing up to 15 vol% nano-SiC whiskers were
prepared by hot pressing at 1950°C under 20MPa pressure in flow argon. SEM and XRD
techniques were used to characterize the sintered compacts. A fine and homogeneous
microstructure was observed. The relative density of ZrB2-based ceramic containing 10vol% SiC
whiskers reached to 97.7%. The bending strength and fracture toughness of the composite were
550 MPa and 8.08 MPa·m1/2 respectively, while those of the monolithic ZrB2 ceramic (0 vol% SiC
whiskers added) were 424 MPa and 4.52 MPa·m1/2 respectively. The grain size of the ZrB2-based
ceramics was reduced greatly by the addition of nano-SiC whiskers during the sintering process.